Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification

Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) is a way of testing to see if a person has too many or too few copies of a gene or piece of DNA in their body. The way it works is that first, pieces of DNA are cut (or "amplified") into smaller pieces called probes. The probes contain parts of the gene or DNA of interest. Then, special molecule ligation which link the probes to each other is added. After it's all mixed together, it can be tested to see how many of each probe are present. A high or low number of a certain probe can tell researchers if a person has too many or too few copies of a gene or piece of DNA in their body. MLPA is a helpful and accurate way of testing the amount of a certain gene or DNA that someone has.